ENTREPRENEUR James Kingston has a clear career goal. He wants to be a millionaire by the time he's 40. At the age of 30 he was doing pretty well for himself as an associate director of an established recruitment company. But pretty well wasn't going to put him on the road to Millionaire's Row.

So days before his 31st birthday, James quit to set up his own business. With support from Neil Sharreard, a former managing director at Cowlin Construction, he established Kingston Barnes.

His new business stuck to his field of expertise, recruitment for firms working in construction and the built environment.

Not everyone would have started a business in a construction-dependant field – and one that is already very competitive – at a time when the recession was still biting.

James said: "There were a lot of interesting faces when I told them I was setting up but if anything that drove me even more."

It was even tougher given that James was initially restricted from contacting old clients for his new business, but that just drove him to find new customers.

And so far it is paying off. The business, currently based in Park Street, is moving to Queen Square soon and the team is expanding from four to five.

The firm has smashed even its most optimistic turnover forecasts, achieving more than £500,000 revenue in the first 12 months and hopes to double this in 2014.

"From the outset I thought we had to stand out," said James. "We are offering a market-leading service and we do things differently."

James, who chose not to go to university but instead get stuck into a career, credited hard work and hiring the right people for much of the success.

He said: "I have always had the dream of having my own business. People such as James Caan are massive idols for me. I have read all the entrepreneurs' books – they inspire me.

"I want to be a millionaire by the time I am 40. I was 30 and I thought 'if I don't do it now, I won't do it'."

James has entered the Young Entrepreneur of the Year and the New Business of the Year categories in the Bristol Post Business Awards.

To enter the awards visit www. bristolpost.co.uk/businessawards.

Entries close on May 2. The awards will be presented at a gala ceremony at Brunel's Old Station, Temple Meads, on Wednesday, June 25.